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If your Samsung TV’s sound is out of sync with the picture, first check whether it happens on more than one source. Then, if you use a supported wired audio connection, adjust the TV’s Digital Output Audio Delay a little at a time. The right fix depends on whether the delay comes from a broadcast, app, external device, downloaded file, or wireless speaker.
Find out where the delay starts
Before changing settings, compare the same scene or program across the sources you can access: a built-in TV app, a broadcast channel, and the external box, console, or streamer you normally use. Note which ones are out of sync.
- If only one app, channel, file, or external device is affected, start with that source. Broadcast processing differences and signal transmission from an external device can contribute to delay, according to Samsung’s audio-delay troubleshooting guidance.
- If a pre-installed TV app is in sync but another source is not, the comparison helps narrow the issue to the affected source or its connection. Samsung Australia recommends trying a pre-installed app as a diagnostic check.
- If multiple sources are affected, continue with the TV’s supported audio-delay setting and the sound-reset and software-update checks below.
Samsung does not publish comparative data showing which cause is most common, so this check is more useful than guessing at a likely culprit.
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On supported models, the Digital Output Audio Delay control is intended for devices connected through HDMI-eARC or SPDIF. The menu path in Samsung’s guidance is Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > Digital Output Audio Delay. Menu names and availability can vary by model and software version; Samsung Canada also notes that sound settings differ by model year and software.
#1 Best Overall
- FULL, BALANCED SOUND WITH A SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: Immerse yourself in your favorite content with perfectly balanced sound and rich bass from the built-in woofer.
- ONE REMOTE. TOTAL CONTROL: Use your Samsung TV remote to control key soundbar functions, including power, volume and sound effects.
- EXPANDS YOUR LISTENING ZONE SO YOU CAN FEEL THE SOUND ALL AROUND YOU: Experience immersive sound that fills the room. Clear audio is projected in all directions so you can feel the action from every angle.
- SEAMLESSLY CONNECTS TO YOUR TV: Connects to your TV without cable clutter. Just pair and play your favorite content.
- PICK UP EVERY PIECE OF DIALOGUE: Hear voices more clearly with dialogue automatically amplified so you don't miss a word.
- Keep the same scene or program playing so you can judge each change.
- Open Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > Digital Output Audio Delay, if the option is available for your connection.
- Change the value in a small step, then replay or watch the same moment again.
- Continue only while the sync improves. If the sound is ahead of the picture, Samsung UK says to move the slider to the right to increase the number.
Samsung does not give a universal ideal delay value. If the option is missing, check the manual or support page for your exact TV model and country rather than assuming every Samsung TV exposes the same control.
Handle Bluetooth and other wireless speakers separately
Samsung Australia says TV settings do not resolve Bluetooth or wireless-speaker audio-sync issues, and notes that wireless transmission can take longer. If you are using wireless audio, try the TV’s internal speakers or a wired output as an isolation check. If sync is normal on that path, consult the wireless audio device’s own settings and instructions. That comparison can help identify the connection involved; it is not a guaranteed fix.
Rank #2
- FULL, BALANCED SOUND WITH A SUBWOOFER INCLUDED: Hear every beat, rumble and roar with deep and rich bass that fills any space. With the included wireless subwoofer, experience powerful sound that draws you in from the very first scene.
- MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SPATIAL AUDIO THAT COMES FROM ALL AROUND YOU: Let immersive virtual surround sound draw you in, with spatial audio that moves all around you. Feel at the center of all your movies, shows and games without the need for rear speakers.
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- OPTIMIZED SOUND FOR EVERY SCENE: Get the optimal listening experience for each scene. The soundbar recognizes the type of content you’re watching and automatically adapts audio settings to produce clear voices and detailed sounds.
- PICK UP EVERY PIECE OF DIALOGUE: Hear voices more clearly with automatically amplified dialogue allowing it to stand out so you don't miss a word, no matter what you're watching.
Check downloaded videos for model-specific format support
If the delay occurs only with a downloaded video, check the supported video formats and codecs in the manual for your exact TV model. Samsung recommends this check, but compatibility varies by model; do not assume a particular format is unsupported without consulting that manual.
Reset the TV’s sound settings and check for an update
If the problem persists across sources or you cannot isolate it to one device or file, try Samsung’s built-in recovery checks:
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- Go to Settings > Sound > Expert Settings > Reset Sound. This returns sound settings to their defaults, so you may need to restore preferences you previously changed.
- Go to Settings > Support > Software Update > Update Now and check whether an update is available.
Samsung says an available software update may resolve a sound issue, but does not guarantee that it will. Menu paths may vary; use your model’s manual if the labels do not match.
Check HDMI ARC/eARC only if that is your audio path
If a soundbar or receiver is connected by HDMI ARC/eARC, verify that each device is plugged into its designated ARC/eARC port and that the connection is secure. ARC returns TV audio to a compatible external audio device. Samsung’s HDMI ARC/eARC guidance identifies poor cable quality as a possible HDMI signal problem and says a higher-quality cable can improve signal quality in that context. Consider the cable only if you have signs of an HDMI connection problem; this does not establish that a cable change fixes general audio delay.
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Use the symptom to choose your next check
| What you observe | Where to focus |
|---|---|
| One broadcast channel is out of sync | Check whether other channels or a built-in app behave differently; broadcast processing can contribute to delay. |
| One external box, console, or streamer is affected | Compare another source and inspect the affected device’s signal path and connection. |
| Only Bluetooth or wireless audio is delayed | Compare with internal TV speakers or wired audio, then check the wireless device’s own guidance. |
| Only a downloaded video is affected | Check format and codec support in the manual for the exact TV model. |
| Several sources are affected on HDMI-eARC or SPDIF audio | Try the supported Digital Output Audio Delay control, then consider resetting sound settings and checking for a software update. |
For country-specific directions, Samsung’s Australia audio-delay page notes that menu sequences can depend on product and location. For sound-setting differences, see Samsung Canada’s sound-settings guide. For audio-format options, Samsung UK explains how to set the TV audio format.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- EXTRA CLEAR VOICES POWERED BY A DEDICATED CENTER: Hear every word with a dedicated, built-in center channel speaker that enhances dialogue clarity. Plus, feel the power of rumbling bass with a wireless subwoofer.
- MULTI-DIRECTIONAL SPATIAL AUDIO THAT COMES FROM ALL AROUND YOU: Let immersive virtual surround sound draw you in, with spatial audio that moves all around you. Feel at the center of all your movies, shows and games without the need for rear speakers.
- ONE REMOTE. TOTAL CONTROL: Use your Samsung TV remote to control key soundbar functions, including power, volume and sound effects. You can access everything you need with the single remote. Enjoy full control and have one less thing to keep track of.*
- OPTIMIZED SOUND FOR EVERY SCENE: Get the optimal listening experience for each scene. The soundbar recognizes the type of content you’re watching and automatically adapts audio settings to produce clear voices and detailed sounds.
- SEAMLESS SWITCHING: Connect up to two devices to your soundbar, like your smartphone and computer, via Bluetooth and switch between them seamlessly. Play your favorite music from either device without disconnecting.**
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
